Lead Java Software Engineer Jobs

Discover Lead Java Software Engineer opportunities for experienced developers ready to guide teams and shape complex software systems. These roles combine hands-on Java development with technical leadership, architectural decision-making, and collaboration across product and engineering teams. Explore vetted positions with salaries of $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Lead Java Software Engineer Do?

Lead Java Software Engineers design, build, and maintain applications while helping set engineering standards and delivery direction. They may lead code reviews, mentor developers, break down technical requirements, and coordinate with stakeholders to deliver reliable software. Depending on the organization, the role can emphasize backend services, distributed systems, cloud platforms, or enterprise applications.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek substantial Java experience and a strong understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, APIs, and software development practices. Familiarity with frameworks such as Spring, databases, testing approaches, and cloud or distributed-system architecture is often valuable. Communication, prioritization, mentoring, and the ability to make sound technical decisions are also important for a lead role.

Career Opportunities and Compensation

Lead Java Software Engineers work across industries including financial services, healthcare, technology, retail, and enterprise software. Career paths may lead to roles such as Principal Engineer, Software Architect, or Engineering Manager, depending on a professional’s strengths and goals. Browse Ladders for vetted Lead Java Software Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more and find opportunities aligned with your experience.

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$85K - $116K *

Drive the quality assurance process by developing and executing comprehensive test plans and scripts, ensuring software meets high standards and user requirements while collaborating with cross-functi...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Analyze and execute comprehensive test plans and procedures to ensure software quality and compliance with organizational standards, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve issues a...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Optimize testing processes by developing and executing comprehensive test plans and cases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software quality and adherence to standards, while addressi...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Shape the future of automated testing by developing and executing comprehensive test plans and procedures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality deliverables while driving imp...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing automated test plans to ensure high-quality software deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and drive continuous...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Champion the development and execution of automated testing strategies to ensure high-quality software deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and resolve co...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Elevate your career by developing and executing test plans to ensure high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and deliver exceptional resul...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Join us to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality software deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and drive improvements in IT...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Lead the development and execution of automated testing strategies to ensure high-quality software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and drive improvements...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join us to lead and shape the engineering teams driving innovative Commerce solutions. You'll define technical strategies, develop high-performing teams, and ensure exceptional customer experiences in...

Washington, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$143K - $194K *

Transform your career by validating cutting-edge machine learning accelerators. Collaborate with top minds in a fast-paced environment, impacting AWS's infrastructure and the future of cloud technolog...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovating file transfer solutions, enhancing customer experiences, and driving cloud migrations. Collaborate on complex systems, optimize performance, and contribute t...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $194K *

Engineer high-performance networking software for cloud infrastructure, driving innovation in virtual machine connectivity and security. Collaborate across teams to enhance scalability and reliability...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$184K - $250K *

Take ownership of a high-impact engineering team, driving technical vision and operational excellence while delivering scalable solutions for customer traffic management. Foster talent development and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$160K - $190K *

Champion innovative software solutions by collaborating with stakeholders to develop, test, and maintain applications and APIs in a fast-paced Agile environment, ensuring operational excellence and cu...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by designing and developing scalable, data-intensive software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and drive innovation in a fast-paced environmen...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative software solutions for core Markdown systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance features, improve architecture, and ensure system reliability while tackling te...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$140K - $150K *

Advance your career by supporting the deployment and qualification of manufacturing test stations within an aerospace program. Collaborate between engineering and operations to ensure efficient produc...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$82K - $152K *

Engage in building innovative AI-driven solutions for legal professionals. Take ownership of backend development, leveraging Python and cloud technologies to create scalable features. Collaborate in a...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$82K - $152K *

Join a team that's redefining legal tech by developing AI-driven solutions for legal professionals. You'll take ownership of projects, leveraging cutting-edge tools to create scalable features that en...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$136K - $184K *

Join a team that's redefining network infrastructure by designing and operating scalable solutions across diverse environments, ensuring reliability and efficiency while enabling rapid engineering adv...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$118K - $196K *

Unlock your potential as you develop and execute software verification procedures, collaborating with design teams to enhance embedded medical devices and drive continuous improvement in our software...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$68K - $93K *

Innovate and enhance web applications using .NET, Angular, and SQL. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions while driving technology advancements in a dynami...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to our network platform's evolution by designing robust software for a high-performance cloud infrastructure. Collaborate on automating SDN and developing scalable solutions to enhance our...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality and compliance for cutting-edge DNA sequencing products. Contribute to testing embedded software and web applications, driving system-level in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?question toggle

    A Lead Java Software Engineer develops Java-based systems and provides technical direction for a team or project. Responsibilities can include system design, coding, code reviews, mentoring, and coordinating delivery with product and engineering partners.

  • What qualifications are common for Lead Java Software Engineer jobs?question toggle

    Employers commonly look for extensive Java development experience, knowledge of software architecture and APIs, and familiarity with tools and frameworks such as Spring. Leadership, communication, mentoring, and collaborative problem-solving skills are also important.

  • How much do Lead Java Software Engineers earn?question toggle

    Compensation varies by employer, location, industry, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more, so candidates can explore opportunities in that salary range.

  • What career paths can follow a Lead Java Software Engineer role?question toggle

    Potential next steps include Principal Engineer, Software Architect, Engineering Manager, or other senior technical leadership roles. The best path depends on whether you want to deepen technical expertise or focus more on people and organizational leadership.